Motiv Staffer Stacey Jones,
The VSP is absolutely a great ball to add to your, it will provide you with clean look thru the heads and smooth reaction off the spot.. will be great on THS and deep in tournaments during the transition

Core Type: Symmetric
Factory Finish: 5500 Grit LSP
Radius of Gyration (RG): 2.47 (15lb.)
Differential (DIFF): .034 (15lb.)
Core: Top Gear
Coverstock: Hexion MFP

Venom Shock Pearl (noun) :  1. The perfect complement to the Venom Shock Pearl which is one of the most popular Motiv balls created due to its versatility.  2. Weaponry that features the new Hexion cover and a dual density Top Gear weight block. 3. Weaponry that provides easy length and a fast response to friction and features the new Hexion MFP (Medium Friction Pearl) coverstock with a 5500 Grit LSP finish.

The Venom Shock Pearl out of box is very clean and that is because of the Hexion coverstock, I for one am I huge fan of the Hexion coverstock which is why outside of scientific purposes I keep mine at box.  At box the Venom Shock Pearl is indeed an exact opposite of the Venom Shock from a ball motion stand point as the Venom Shock has more traction up front and a heavier roll to it, the Venom Shock Pearl is much cleaner through the front part of the lane not being as traction heavy out of box.   I did apply surface to the VSP and that is when I found it to be a mirror image of the Venom Shock just in Hexion clothing, smooth traction is what I call it as I saw the ball pick up earlier but it wasn’t expending a lot of energy doing so. I feel that those that like to sit on top of the ball will apply surface to the VSP to make it more roll heavy and suitable for their needs, while those that do not may leave it at box.

The layout I went with was 40 x 4 50. I chose this layout because of how clean Hexion is I wanted a stronger layout to pair it with and I ended up getting more than what I asked for, I wanted big and smooth and I got giant and smooth.  The VSP didn’t disappoint in the heavier oil however when I missed at the bottom of my swing (with the VSP at box) the Hexion cover is so clean that it will skate through the breakpoint, when I missed at the bottom of my swing with the VSP with surface (green scotch brite) it was a more giving as it would sit up.  The Venom Shock Pearl is indeed a ball that does as advertised as with any weaponry made by Motiv.

If you have love for the Venom Shock
If you have love for the Hexion coverstock
If you love giving your opponents Shock Therapy
I encourage you to give the Venom Shock Pearl a look.

Your game will thank you for it.


K.C. White II
Motiv Staff
Whybowl Staff
Mongoose Tape Staff

LANE CONDITION

Length: 41'

Volume: Medium

Type (THS, Sport Pattern etc): THS


COMMENTS

Hello guys! This time I had the chance to try the new Motiv Venom Shock Pearl.

The Venom Shock has been one of my favorite bowling balls. My 2 perfect games has been shot with the Venom Shock and my highest series has been also shot with the Venom Shock, so when I found out about the Venom Shock Pearl, I got really excited.

The Venom Shock Pearl is designed to be a cleaner and more angular version of the original Venom Shock and it does exactly as advertised.

I tried this ball on our fresh house shot pattern (Kegel Main Street, 41') and I was able to play straighter up the lane and the VSP found the pocket easily.

The Venom Shock Pearl has a smooth and predictable roll. It revs up quickly but it pushes farther down the lane to provide a strong, but controllable backend motion.

When I missed outside my target, the ball offered enough recovery to hit the pocket, leaving some corner pins when I missed too far out. Misses inside were not as forgiving as misses outside.

The ball doesn't have a skid-flip motion, but it offers enough length to feel comfortable knowing that the ball will never hook too early and that it will have enough energy to provide a strong shape down the lane.

I compared the Venom Shock Pearl with the Venom Shock and the Lethal Paranoia.

The Venom Shock is stronger overall. It has more hook potential, is earlier, smoother and it has a slower response to friction.

The Lethal Paranoia is a tad cleaner than the Venom Shock Pearl and it is more angular since it has a faster response to friction. Overall, the Lethal Paranoia is stronger than the Venom Shock Pearl.

The Venom Shock Pearl is a great complement to the Venom Shock and a great step down from the Lethal Paranoia.

When the Venom Shock gets lazy down the lane or is reading the lane too early, the Venom Shock Pearl will be a great option to go to.

When the Lethal Paranoia is too much ball or becomes too angular, the Venom Shock Pearl will provide a similar shape, with a smoother motion down the lane.

Overall, the Venom Shock Pearl is a great addition to the Motiv lineup.

The Venom Shock Pearl is a great option on broken down patterns. Once there is some friction and you need more length and more shape down the lane, the VSP will be a great ball to go to.

Bowlers who are currently using the Venom Shock will find in the Venom Shock Pearl a great complement and a versatile piece that will fit into a lot of bowling styles. Low rev, speed dominant bowlers will be able to use this ball playing straighter angles, while rev dominant bowlers will be able to move in and play steeper angles on most medium and light oil conditions.

Thank you for watching!

16lbs
Radius of Gyration: 2.47
Differential: .031

Purple Pearl
Core: Top Gear
Coverstock: Hexion MFP
Finish: 5500 LSS

Rev Rate: 400 - 425
Speed: 16 - 17 mph
PAP: 4 1/4" right , 1" up

Layout 1 (Pin Down): 50 x 5 x 40, x-hole on PAP

Lane Conditions: Various Tournament Patterns, House Shot (42 ft)

Review:
I drilled the VSP with my favorite pin up layout. I like this layout the most because it creates a motion on the lane that allows me to the read the lane easier front to back. The top gear core (low rg) gets the ball started pretty early for a lighter oil ball, while the Hexion pearl cover at 5500 box finish with the lower differential allows the ball to still get down the lane easy and effortlessly, creating a pretty quick response to friction.

Most bowlers will find that this ball will be an asset later in tournament blocks or after your house pattern is broken down with the box surface on it. I found it works even better when using a 1000 or 2000 abralon pad to break the shine on the box finish. It will handle more of a medium length/volume pattern, including starting with it on your house patterns.


Steve Dieter
Motiv Staff

3 testers - 2 patterns
http://tamerbowling.com/motiv-venom-shock-pearl-bowling-ball-review/

Excerpt:
At the end of the day, just like the Jackal Rising and Venom Shock, the Venom Shock Pearl is right in Motiv’s wheelhouse in terms of ball motion. It really is their bread and butter. They are masterful at creating smooth midlane churn by combining the right cover and core combination in those examples, yielding easy control and consistency. The Venom Shock Pearl is not super fast off of the friction but has enough motion to be versatile for a decent amount of conditions and bowlers. I can see it working on many house conditions as well as some shorter sport patterns.

VSP

    With great anticipation I had been waiting for this ball to hit the market. The question to be was how is this ball going to stack up against the OG Shock? Was I going to drill this ball the same as the OG? Do I use another lay out? There were so many questions running through my head with this nugget. Ultimatly I chose to use the same lay out as my OG Shock. Keep in Mind the Shock I have in my bag is the first shock I drilled 4 years ago when that ball came out. I have never drilled another, I have one under lock and key in case I need it.

    The VSP was laid out using 55 X 4.5 X 60, this puts the pin just below my bridge and kicks the CG about 1/2" from my center line. This is my favorite pin down lay out. This layout allows the ball to clear the fronts well, read the midlane where I like to see shape and have great continuation. With my "trick" roll I have a tendency to see the midlane a little more than most, my PAP is 4.375 over and .5 up. My tilt is very limited in my A release, I almost never use strong pin placements as the balls tend to puke off the back then.

    What does the VSP do for me? The VSP is as advertised. Clean through the fronts and reads the midlane well for a pearl ball. I am not one to change covers on pearl balls, I like to see what a ball does on a variety of conditions with the stock cover on pearls. The last few releases from Motiv, for me are too clean through out the lane as a whole. Then when they encounter friction they have been to violent off the spot. The cover on the VSP, does not seem to have these issues. The VSP sees the lane with ease, not over reading the friction and allows the ball to mellow the spot down lane. This ball to me hearkens back to the older reaction, allows me to keep the ball in the wax a little longer and open up the angles with out over seeing the dry. To me this cover reminds me of the OG Paranoia cover, clean, predictable and strong.

      All in all the Strong pearl cover with a dual density core allows this ball to really dig in mid lane and still open up the angles, this ball is a Must for tournament and league players.
Thank you

C Mohr
Motiv Staff

See Bowler Profile
Quick Stats:
PAP 5" right +3/4" up
Rev: 450+
Speed: 16mph (at breakpoint)
Tilt: 10 degrees
Axis Rotation: 40-60 degrees (comfort zone)

Hello All. I’m reviewing the Venom Shock Pearl after a few months of league use on THS. I will do my best to give an objective review without video evidence, something I should probably start doing. Not a staffer but I do stick with a few brands Storm/Roto, Motiv, 900 Global.

What I was looking for:
Our Friday night league typically doesn’t put out a lot of volume, unfortunately I can’t specify the oil pattern used. It’s one of the first houses I haven’t been able to use solid covers on. My favorite being the IQ Tour Solid & Venom Shock which can hit incredibly flat. Both create angle issues when moving inside and don’t seem to fair well opening up the lane. Obviously looking for something cleaner but still have a defined midlane arc to control the breakpoint. Enter Venom Shock Pearl.

What I got:
I drilled the VSP 5” x 45* (65x5”x45) no weight hole which basically puts the pin on my centerline slightly above the fingers. The cover was tuned with a fresh wet 2000 abralon pad and a quick spin with storm step 2 (wet) for a rough buff finished. After rolling a few shots in practice I ended up around 15 to 5 with a very controlled overall read, plenty of entry angle but not anything I would define as a big flip. By game 3 I was softer with speed and hand around 20 to 10, staying left of traffic. The reaction was an instant fit for me shooting 765. My competition was very aware of the out of box new ball and heckled me covering a 10pin “That ball makes spares too”. Next week was even better going 780 followed by a series of 700s that ended on position round last week with a 692.

Comparisons:
This ball honestly gives me Storm IQ Tour Pearl vibes unfortunately I no longer have one to compare. The Venom Shock with a similar cover prep 5” x 65* starts transitioning much earlier on the lane and forces me left a good 5 boards to roll well through the deck, can’t miss right without carry issues. Storm Hyroad is way more of a hockey stick and stronger overall. Hustle Ink (polished), a bowling gem I don’t use anymore due to 16lb, is actually the most similar of my available equipment in shape with the Hustle being slightly earlier and smoother overall. 

Conclusion:
This might not be the 1st ball out of the bag for a lot of bowlers but lighter patterns it gives a nice benchmark type reaction with good pop. Everything you’d come to expect from the Venom line. It’s a very balanced ball even where Motiv has it placed on the chart. My amateur option this ball could easily be pushed a spot left in the smooth-angular category for a higher RG Venom yet to be seen. The VSP is crisp through the heads and reads oil enough to be affective moving inside avoiding over/under reactions. Rev dominate bowlers will love this ball. Probably won’t be my last VSP.

Recommended!